Articles on the New XP
So, you’re new to the XP role. Welcome to the front row of ministry! Your job is a position of power, influence and, at times, the one to take the criticism and hard conversations. Take comfort in knowing that many have walked this road before you. They have documented their thoughts and learnings in the form of articles, posted here … so that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel!
5 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way as an Executive Pastor
Stepping into, or leading through, the role of an Executive Pastor can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding positions in ministry leadership. If you're navigating this path, you’re likely familiar with the [...]
Fletch & Erika Cole, When to Hire an Executive Pastor
Fletch and Erika Cole did podcast 49 on When to Hire an Executive Pastor. Erika, known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process [...]
Defining the Executive Pastor Role
Phil has just updated and expanded his book, Defining the Executive Pastor Role. Join us as he gives an overview of the book and delves into a few of the chapters. The [...]
Three Items I Learned at the XP-Seminar that Worried Me
For the last few years, I have spoken at the XP-Seminar, except for the Snow-Covid Seminar a few years ago. The seminar is one of my few live speaking gigs every year. David and [...]
2 Temptations Church Leaders Face When Visiting Other Churches
Taking time to visit other churches in your area or across the country is a great way to grow in your leadership. I love seeing a church in action and I always come away [...]
Pastoral Heart vs. Business Brain
Balancing Giftedness in the XP role Nick Smith is an XP with a huge Pastoral Heart. He exudes warmth and compassion with plenty of biblical wisdom. How does Nick balance his gifts [...]
Surprise Findings in the XP Survey
What We Expected & What We Found Let’s look at seven surprises that will give encouragement, challenge, and ideas to ponder as we move forward in this uncertain season. Jesus often used [...]
3 Ways Intentional Coaching Helps Executive Pastors
Like it or not, Executive Pastors are coaches. You can embrace your role as a coach and improve your effectiveness by coaching your team. I’ll admit it. The word coach used to make me [...]
The SP-XP Relationship & Transition
Bishop David Evans is the Senior Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Lindenwold, New Jersey. Nicholas Smith is his Executive Pastor. Twenty years ago, Bishop Evans named Nicholas as his designated successor. Their long [...]
Seven Common Pitfalls Every Pastor Should Avoid in a New Church Role
A quaint story circulated among Methodists describes a young pastor, fresh out of seminary, who had just begun his first pastorate. As he drove up to the small church, he noticed an old tree blocking [...]
To Co-Lead or Not to Co-Lead?
Shared leadership at the helm of any organization, especially the ever-growing model of co-lead pastors in a church, can be a huge blessing when successful. However, it has the potential to be quite catastrophic [...]
Church Problems and a Senior Pastor Candidate
Hey Fletch … We have some serious problems at the church and are also interviewing a senior pastor candidate. Should we tell the candidate about our big issues before or after he has accepted a [...]
Shooting for the Top … Almost
I believe in the Executive Pastor position to my core. There is tremendous value that an Executive Pastor can offer a church. God has been preparing me for this role my entire life and [...]
Value of Courses
Monday, February 25, 2019 Hey Fletch … I am super excited to take your courses on XPastor! I am a worship pastor of 30 years who is looking to make a change in leadership. Is [...]
New XP and Coaching
Friday, February 22, 2019 Hey Fletch … I am a new executive pastor at our church and recently took over this position. I have been a youth and family pastor for many years. I [...]
Residency Program for XPs?
Friday, February 15, 2019 Hey Fletch … I read the Hey Fletch column of January 28 and was intrigued about the potential of a residency program. I’d love to be in one to learn how [...]
Is There Still Room for Me at the XP-Seminar?
Saturday, January 26, 2019 Hey Fletch … I have done an excellent job of procrastinating and haven’t enrolled in the XP-Seminar. Do you have room for one more? DRF—You are cutting it close, so very [...]
Networking with other XPs
Thursday, January 17, 2019 Hey Fletch … I’m feeling a little dry and out of contact with other XPs. What can you suggest to help me get connected with people leading churches of a [...]
Which of the 30 Workshops Is Best for Me?
Thursday, January 10, 2019 Hey Fletch … I see that you are having over 30 workshops at the XP-Seminar. I’m already enrolled and am excited to be back. Give me some insight on which ones [...]
Business vs Spiritual Side of Church Leadership
Thursday, January 3, 2019 Hey Fletch … I’m a new XP and struggling with this dichotomy of business and spiritual aspects of what I do. The rest of the pastors get to focus on ministry [...]
Leading a Church Staff is Like Herding Cats
Thursday, December 20, 2018 Hey Fletch … I’m about to become the XP in our church. I’ve never had a church position before and several people tell me it is like herding cats. Really? DRF—Popular [...]
For-Profit Background
Wednesday, December 19, 2018 Hey Fletch … A friend referred me to you. I’m currently working as a CFO of a church but that is coming to an end soon. I have lots of [...]
Start-up Manual for New XP?
Thursday, December 13, 2018 Hey Fletch … I was an XP over 20 years ago in a startup role when two churches merged. It has about 1,400 attenders. Since then I’ve been teaching in [...]
Preparing for a Senior Pastor Resignation
One day, you may have the conversation. This is one of those ultimate conversations in your ministry life. It may come out of the blue. You may have some signs it is coming. You [...]